What Kandy needs is one central bus stand at a convenient location

I refer to the news item reported in the Sunday Times recently titled, “Kandy’s new terminus sends people buzzing from stand to stand.”

Kandy city has about five bus stands located at five different locations. This not only causes inconvenience to people but traffic congestion as well. Regular bus travellers in Kandy may know where a particular bus stand is located, but for a person who comes from outside Kandy it may be a problem. Therefore, it would be convenient for everyone if a single central bus stand is provided.

I had suggested several years ago, while proposing a multi storey car park for Kandy, that a central bus stand too should be provided. I had suggested that this bus stand should be erected where the former Bogambara prison was. There is more than sufficient land available for a central bus stand at this location. A shopping mall too could be provided at this location. This would be very convenient for bus travellers in Kandy.

If a central bus stand is provided it would solve several problems. The traffic congestion caused at present by too many buses passing through the town could be avoided. Buses proceeding towards Peradeniya, Gampola or Colombo could use the William Gopallawa Road and only those proceeding towards Katugastota, Kurunegala or Matale will have to pass through the town. Also, the shopping mall at the central bus stand would be very useful for the bus travellers.

Cecil B. Abeykoon Anniewatte